| Sheep
NSA Welsh Sheep 2017
The challenges and opportunities that Brexit will bring means it is more important than ever for flockmasters to update
and keep ahead in rapidly changing times. It means that, this year especially, NSA Welsh Sheep 2017 is a not to be
missed opportunity.
here is free admission for
members of the National Sheep
Association and the £12
admission cost to non
members will soon be
recouped in terms of better
understanding of the sheep industry and
business development. The events and
seminars offer an insight into the politics that
shape the sheep industry, as well as into
industry developments, technology and
veterinary advances and the day also provides
welcome post lambing relaxation and
enjoyment.
The event will be opened by Brecon
Beacons National Park Authority Chair, Melanie
Doel. She is also a former BBC Wales
journalist, all of which gives her a unique insight
into the demands upon those farmers living
and working in some of the UK’s most precious
landscapes.
It’s also fitting that one of the three seminars
will concentrate on Future Models for Public
Money towards Farming. Speakers will include
T
44 | Farming Monthly | May 2017
NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker and Chris
Short of the Foundation for Common Land,
who will discuss Options for Payment for Public
Goods.
Brexit will be the focus of one of the other
seminars. Speakers will include NSA Chairman
Sam Wharry, Hybu Cig Cymru - Head of
Operations, Prys Morgan, and Andrew Slade
from the Welsh Government.
Looking for answers to the problem of
antibiotic resistance will be the topic of the third
seminar. Speaking to the theme, Antibiotic
Resistance, Rising to the Challenge will be
independent sheep specialist Kate Hovers,
Farming Connect’s Gethin Davies and the
subject of a farmer case study, Anglesey’s
Arwyn Jones.
Workshop topics include Planning for a
Healthy Flock, with tips on how to prevent
problems as well as focusing on proactive
healthcare planning. Another concentrates on
information from the Woodland Trust on how
woodland and trees can provide real benefits,
and a particular insight into ancient woodlands.
Flockmasters will also have the opportunity
to test their wits and skills in the various
competitions and to see the industry’s best in
action. Included are the Next Generation
Shepherd Competition, British Wool’s Guess
the Breed of Sheep from its Wool and Hybu Cig
Cymru’s red meat themed challenges.
The sheepdog trials will comprise three
sessions with 80 dogs and has been organised
by internationally renowned Kevin Evans. The
huge variety of trade stands, demonstrations
and entertainment mean it will be a day to
remember.
And of course, the backdrop to the event is
the host farm. The opportunity to take a tour of
Llwyn Bedw is not to be missed, affording an
insight into a traditional tenanted farm and
taking in views of one of South Wales’s largest
reservoirs.
Hosts Stephen and Lisa Williams, their son
Luke, and Stephen’s father, Godfrey, are keen
to welcome visitors to Welsh Sheep 2017.
The NSA Welsh Sheep Event will showcase
a traditional, tenanted, farm in the heart of the
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